Feature Articles

The Jefferson Lab LOVEwork is a testament to the lab’s commitment to partnering with other national labs, reducing its environmental impact by reusing scientific apparatus, and educating future scientists in the science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) disciplines. This is the lab’s first public art and STEAM education installation, and it was first unveiled on June 6 in preparation for Jefferson Lab’s 2024 Open House event. It is also the first and currently only LOVEwork in the commonwealth that embodies the new Virginia is for Science Lovers® theme.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed free data sets to estimate how much energy any building in the contiguous U.S. will use in 2100. These data sets provide planners a way to anticipate future energy needs as the climate changes.

Researchers from DOE and NASA joined forces to use Argonne’s Theta supercomputer to produce 4 million simulated images that are being used to prepare for future observations from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are working to make large back-up batteries for homes or neighborhoods less expensive, hold more energy and be less prone to bursting into flame. One way to tackle all three challenges is by changing up the battery chemistry with the addition of sulfur, according to Sandia battery expert Melissa Meyerson.

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Maine have designed and 3D-printed a single-piece, recyclable natural-material floor panel tested to be strong enough to replace construction materials like steel. The project is part of the Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies, or SM2ART, program. The SM2ART team previously constructed BioHome3D, the nation’s first additively manufactured home made entirely from biologically based materials.

Fourteen teams from 11 schools, including seven schools new to the competition, gathered at Argonne to race. They also learned about teamwork, competition, engineering and problem-solving.

Humans can learn a lot from nature, especially when dealing with climate change and other environmental issues. A clean energy future relies on us reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, breaking down waste, and storing atmospheric carbon. Biofuels made from decomposing living things or biological waste are a potential alternative to fossil fuels. Soil microorganisms can break down plant biomass to produce biofuels and bioproducts. Improving our understanding of these microorganisms is important for developing a U.S. bioeconomy.    

Argonne recently hosted its second Argonne in Chicago Partner Forum in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Over 80 community leaders, researchers and representatives from industry and civic agencies convened to discuss opportunities for partnership in pursuit of a clean energy future for all.